Decking the halls of the White House

A worker hangs holiday decorations at the White House in Washington, DC, on Wednesday, Dec. 1. This theme for this year's decorations is "Simple Gifts," which was inspired by our nation's state and county fairs.

Larry Downing / Reuters

Christmas decorations brighten the State Dining Room at the White House in Washington, DC, on Wednesday, Dec. 1.

Mark Wilson / Getty Images

Layers of Christmas decorations surround a portrait of former President Bill Clinton at the White House in Washington, DC, on Wednesday, Dec. 1.

Charles Dharapak / AP

A miniature of The Obama family's dog, Bo, sits on a 400-pound white chocolate-covered gingerbread replica of the White House in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington, DC on Wednesday, Dec. 1.

Jewel Samad / AFP - Getty Images

The Red Room is pictured during a media walk-through of the holiday decorations at the White House in Washington, DC, on Wednesday, Dec. 1.

Charles Dharapak / AP

The official White House Christmas Tree is seen in the Blue Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on Wednesday, Dec. 1.

The White House has been meticulously trimmed with seasonal decorations for the holidays. This theme for this year's decorations is "Simple Gifts"

Mrs. Obama settled on a theme of "Simple Gifts" for the holiday season, emphasizing the simple things that bring joy at Christmas. Many White House decorations also are made from basic — and, in some cases, reusable — materials such as wood, newspaper and magazine pages.

Read the FULL STORY to find out more about the seasonal spangle at the White House.